Body encircling garment



Aug. 25, 1959 v H. M. HERBENER 2,900,981

BODY ENCIRCLING GARMENT Filed March 18, 1957 13 Sheets-Sheet 1 1 'A I I I :18 I

I I I I I Jul III I 7 I I I I I I I I 2 W I INVENTOR 4 l HENRY M. HERBENER ATTORNEY Aug. 25, 1959 Filed March 18, 1957 H. M. HERBENER BODY ENCIRCLING GARMENT 13 Sheets-Sheet 2 FLGLB.

INVENT OR HENRY M. HE RBEN E R ATTORNEY Aug. 25, 1959 H. M. HERBENER BODY ENCIRCLING GARMENT Filed March 18, 1957 15 Sheets-Sheet 5 FlCLQ) 1/ I P 1 G 10. F- 1 iilillll \lli. Vr ldu ATTORNEY H. M. HERBENER 2,900,981

BODY ENCIRCLING GARMENT 13 Sheets-Sheet 4 F l G 13 Aug; 25, 1959 Filed March 18, 1957 I INVENTOR HENRY M.HERBENER BY WMW ATTORNEY Aug. 25, 1959 H. M. HERBENER BODYENCIRCLING GARMENT 13 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 18, 1957 R Y m R M m E n o W N w 1 E A B R E m M J N w W z F m Aug. 25, 1959 H. M. HERBENER 2,900,981

BODY ENCIRCLING GARMENT Filed March 18, 1957 13 Sheets-Sheet 6 IN VENTOR HENRY M. HERBENER BY B WM ATTORNEY Aug. 25, 1959 H. M. HERBENER BODY ENCIRCLING GARMENT Filed March 18, 1957 IN VENTOR.

HENRY M.HERBENER ATTORNEY H. M. HERBENER BODY ENCIRCLING GARMENT Aug. 25, 1959 Filed March 18, 1957 13 Sheets-Sheet 8 FlG.2:9. Y5

INVENTOE HENRY M. HERBENEH W ATTORNEY Aug. 25, 1959 H. M. HERBENER BODY ENCIRCLING GARMENT l3 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed March 18, 1957 FlG.30-.

FlCz. 51.

INVENTOR HENRY .HERBENER ATTORNEY 5, 1959 H. M. HERBENER 2,900,981

BODY ENCIRCLING GARMENT Filed March 18, 1957 13 Sheets-Sheet 1O IN VENTOR HENRY M HERBEZNER MFWMM/ ATTORNEY Aug. 25, 1959 H. M. HERBENER BODY ENCIRCLING GARMENT l3 Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed March 18, 1957 FICLEQ.

INVENT'OR HENRY M.HERBENER WW ATTORNEY 13 SheetsL-Sheet 12 's L5 c HENRY M. HERBENER WW Aug. 25, 1959 H. M. HERBENER BODY ENCIRCLING GARMENT Filed March 18, 1957 5, 1959 H. M. HERBENER 2,900,981

BODY ENCIRCLING GARMENT Filed March 18, 1957 13 Sheets-Sheet 13 INVENTOR HENRY M. HERBENER BY WWW ATTORNEY United States Patent BODY ENCIRCLING GARMENT Henry M. Herbener, Thomasville, Ga.

Application March 18, 1957, Serial No. 646,593

14 Claims. (Cl. 128-465) My invention relates to body encircling garments of the brassiere, corselet, corset or slip type.

An important object of the invention is to provide a garment of the above-mentioned character, so constructed that the busts are yieldingly supported and shifted.

inwardly, toward each other, to some extent.

A further object of the invention is to provide a garment of the above-mentioned character which is freely vertically yieldable, to permit of convenient movement of the body, but will remain close to the body, and return to the inner position when removed therefrom.

A further object of the invention is to provide a stiff supporting element, serving as a support for a soft cornpressible pad which supports the bust, thereby promoting the comfort of the wearer.

A further object of the invention is to provide a brassiere which is cut low in the back, and which may be attached at the bottom of the back of the brassiere to the top of the back of a girdle or the like, if desired, .to prevent displacement of the brassiere.

A further object of the invention is to provide a brassiere of the above-mentioned character which will produce a minimum of pressure of the upper portion of the front of the garment upon the wearer, due to the circumferential tension of the brassiere, promoting easy breathing and comfort of the wearer, and at the same time retaining the upper portion of the front and the bust receiving pockets close to the body.

A further object of the invention is to provide resilient pocket supporting means, which may be formed in a desired length, so that it will properly function when the body encircling garment is spaced from the waistline, or extends to or below the waistline.

A further object of the invention is to provide means whereby the resilient pocket supporting elements may be removed from the garment when it is desired to launder the garment.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a brassiere embodying my invention,

Figure 2 is an enlarged side elevation of the central portion of the brassiere, parts broken away,

Figure 3 is a horizontal section taken on line 3-3 of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is a vertical section taken on line 4-4 of Figure 9 is a side elevation of a brassiere embodying a second form of the invention,

Figure 10 is a front elevation of the central portion of the brassiere, upon an enlarged scale, parts broken away,

Figure 11 is a vertical section taken on line 11-11 of Figure 10,

Figure 12 is a side elevation of a brassiere embodying a third form of the invention,

Figure 13 is an elevation of the front portion of the brassiere, upon an enlarged scale, parts broken away,

Figure 14 is a vertical section taken on line 14-14 of Figure 13,

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a loop or coupling and associated elements,

Figure 16 is a side elevation of a brassiere embodying a fourth form of the invention,

Figure 17 is a side elevation of the front portion of the brassiere, upon an enlarged scale, and parts broken away,

Figure 18 is a vertical section taken on line 18-18 of Figure 17,

Figure 19 is a vertical section taken on line 19-19 of Figure 17,

Figure 20 is a side elevation of a brassiere embodying a fifth form of the invention,

Figure 21 is a side elevation of the front portion of the brassiere, upon an enlarged scale, and parts broken away,

Figure 22 is a vertical section taken on line 22-22 of Figure 21,

Figure 23 is a perspective view of a coupling con necting two adjacent hoops, parts broken away,

Figure 24 is a side elevation of a brassiere embodying a sixth form of the invention,

Figure 25 is a side elevation of the front of the brassiere, upon an enlarged scale, parts broken away,

Figure 26 is a vertical section taken on line 26-26 of Figure 25,

Figure 27 is a side elevation of a brassiere embodying a seventh form of my invention, parts broken away,

Figure 28 is a side elevation of the front of the brassiere, upon an enlarged scale, parts broken away,

Figure 29 is a vertical section taken on line 29-29 of Figure 28,

Figure 30 is a side elevation of a brassiere embodying an eighth form of my invention,

Figure 31 is an elevation of the front of the brassiere, upon an enlarged scale, parts broken away,

Figure 32 is a vertical section taken on line 32-32 of Figure 31,

Figure 33 is a section taken on line 33-33 of Figure 31,

Figure 34 is a side elevation of a brassiere embodying a ninth form of the invention,

Figure 35 is an elevation of the front of the brassiere, upon an enlarged scale, parts broken away,

Figure 36 is a vertical section taken on line 36-36 of Figure 35,

Figure 37 is a perspective view of one of the loops or couplings, and associated elements, parts broken away,

Figure 38 is a side elevation of a brassiere embodying a tenth modification of the invention, 1

Figure 39 is an elevation of the front of the brassiere, upon an enlarged scale, parts broken away,

Figure 40 is a transverse section taken on line 40-40 of Figure 39,

Figure 41 is a front elevation of a brassiere, upon an enlarged scale, parts broken away, of an eleventh modification of the invention,

Figure 42 is a vertical section taken on line 42-42 of Figure 41,

3 Figure 43 is a transverse section taken on line 43-43 of Figure 41,

Figure 44 is a side elevation of a brassiere embodying a twelfth form of the invention,

Figure 45 is a side elevation "of the front portion of the b'rassiere, 'u'po'n a'ne'nlarg'ed scale, parts broken away,

Figure "'46 is a vertical section taken on line 4646 of Figure 45,

Figure '47 is a fragmentary side elevation of the adjacent portions of the hoop and loop and coupling,

Figure 48 is a longitudinal section taken on line 48-48 of Figure 47.

In Figures 1 to 8 inclusive, I have shown the first form of my invention. A body encircling garment or brassiere includes a body portion 1, which is longitudinally elastic. The body portion 1 includes sides 2, folded upon themselves to provide a bottom 3, affording a pocket 4. The body encircling portion includes a forward portion and bands 6, which extend around the body and the ends of the bands are detachably con nected by any suitable means. The forward portion 5 projects above the bands 6, Figure 1. When in use, the lower edge or bottom -3 of the body portion may be spaced from the waistline, but the invention is not restricted to this feature. The forward portion 5 has substantially spherically curved openings 7 formed therein, for the passage of the bust, and 8 designates bust receiving pockets or cups which are spherically curved and bulge forwardly. The spherically curved cups may be formed. in the manner shown in my Patent 2,759,190, or by any other suitable means. The pockets 8 have their edges overlapping with the forward portion 5, Figures 4 and 5, and are secured thereto by lines of zigzag stitching 9 and 10. The lines of stitching 9 and 10 are spaced, as shown. The pockets 8 are so arranged that their upper edges 11 are vertically inclined and converge downwardly toward their inner edges, and these pockets therefore not only support the busts but tend to move them inwardly toward each other.

The lines' of stitching 9 and 10 are spaced, as stated, and their upper ends are connected, and these lines of stitching form a circularly curved casing for receiving a circularly curved or generally U-shape'd supporting element 12. This supporting element is formed of a fiattened wire, Figure 6. The supporting element is vertically stiif but is horizontally or laterally flexible and resilient.

Arranged within each pocket 4 is a filling or supporting pad 13, preferably formed of sponge rubber, and preferably of the construction shown in my Patent 2,563,241. This pad has a cloth lining 14 secured to its inner face by cement or the like, and the edges of this lining 14 overlap the edges of the forward portion 5 at the opening 7, and the edges of the cloth are secured in place by the lines of stitching 9. The supporting element 12 supports the pocket and bust and the pad 13 is interposed between the bust and supporting element 12, thus promoting the comfort of the wearer.

I may cover the supporting element 12 with a compressible casing 15, formed of rubber, as shown in Figure 8.

Disposed within the pocket 4 formed 'by the sides 2, Figures 2, 4 and 5, are resilient wire hoops 16'.- These hoops are formed from suitably stiff and resilient wire, bent into zigzag formation, as shown and described in my Patent 2,774,073. One hoop 16 is arranged beneath each vertically stiff U-shaped supporting element 12 and bears against the lower edge of the supporting element. As morecle'arly shown in Figure 6, a flat stiff loop or coupling 17 surrounds the supporting element 12 and hoop 16 and is rigidly secured thereto. If these parts coupling 17 may be rigidly clamped to the elements" 12 and 16. The supporting element 12 cannot turn within the loop or coupling 17, nor can the hoop 16 turn therein. When the supporting element 12 is moved forwardly with the pocket, as when the user stoops, the hoop 16 will yield and has a torsional action, and when the pressure is removed from the supporting element 12, the hoop will swing the supporting element 12 toward the wearer so that the supporting element remains close to the wearer. The hoop 16 normally holds the supporting element 12 in the raised position, but the hoop is vertically resilient or compressible, and the lower edge or bottom of the hoop bears against the bottom 3 of the pocket 4. When the hoop 16 is vertically compressed, due to the downward movement of the supporting element 12, the sides of the hoop 16 will move horizontally outwardly since they are slidably mounted within the pocket 4. If desired, the sides 2 may be secured together by vertical lines of stitching18. Since the supporting element 12 is held in place within the casing formed by the lines of stitching 9 and 10, and since the hoop is secured to the supporting element '12 by the loop or coupling 17, it is unnecessary to provide additionalmea'ns to hold the lower edge of the hoop in place, and their lower edge contacts with the bottom 3. It might be stated at this point that the line of stitching 10 is interrupted to permit of the passage of the loop or coupling 17 and the adjacent 'po'rtiaa of the hoop, Figures 2 and 6.

In view of the foregoing description, it will 'be seen that I have provided a brassiere which will promote the comfort of the user, since the pockets 8 are supported by'the supporting elements 12 and the pads 13 are arranged between the supporting elements and bust. The U-shaped supporting elements are stiff in a vertical plane and are flexible or resilient in a lateral or horizontal direction. The torsional action of the hoops 16 tend to move the supporting elements 12 and'the pockets toward the wearer and retain them close relation to the wearer. When the supporting elements and pockets are moved forwardly, by the stooping of the wearer, the torsional action is produced upon the hoops 16. The hoops 16 yieldingly support the supporting elements 12 to permit of the individual vertical movements of the same.

In Figures 9 to 11 inclusive, I have shown a second form of the invention. The same pockets 8, the same supporting elements 12, and the same lines of stitching 9 and 10 are used. The same body portion 1 is employed, with the front portion 5, andthe body portion includes the sides 2, the edge or bottom 3 and the pocket 4. The brassiere thus far described is identical with the first form of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 7 inclusive.

Arranged within the pocket 4 of the body portion 1 are pairs of resilient hoops 19 and 20, which are of the zigzag formation and are identical with the hoops 16, but may be of somewhat different sizes. The hoops 20 are arranged within the hoops 19 and are eccentric with relation thereto. The elements 12, 19 and 20 are arranged in the same plane, Figure 11, and theedges of the hoops 19 and 20 engage at the upper portions of the hoops, and the edge of the hoop 19 at its upper portion engages with the supporting element 12. A stiff loop or coupling 21, corresponding to the loop '17, receives therein the adjacent contacting portions of elerriients 12, 19 and 20. This loop or coupling is preferably rigidly secured to the elements 12, 19 and 20, by welding, or the loop may be clamped against the same. The flattened supporting element .12 cannot turn within the loop or coupling 21 nor can the hoops 19 and 20 turn therein, and when the supporting element 12 is swung forwardly, as when the user stoops, a torsional action is applied to elements 19 and 20, and this torsional action serves to swing the supporting'element 12 toward the wearer and retains the element 12 close to the wearer. The same lines of stitching 9 and 10, as shown in connection with the first form of the invention, are used, and the line of stitching is interrupted for the passage of the coupling 21 and the adjacent portion ofthe hoop 19. The same pads 13 are used. The lower edges of the hoops 19 'bear against the edge or bottom 3, and the lower edges of the hoops 20 bear against curved lines of stitching 22, connecting the sides 2. The hoops 19 and 20 are slidably mounted within the pocket 4 and their sides move horizontally when the supporting element 12 is moved downwardly to vertically compress the hoops 19 and20. The construction of the brassiere shown in Figures 9 to 11 inclusive is identical with the first form of the invention, Figures 1 to 7 inclusive, except that in the second form of the invention the pairs of hoops 19 and 20 are used.

The operation of the second form of the invention is similar to that of the first form and is thought to be unnecessary to state the same.

In Figures 12 to inclusive, I have shown a brassiere embodying a third form of the invention. This brassiere comprises the same body portion 1 including sides 2 folded to provide a bottom 3 and forming a pocket 4. The same front portion 5 is provided, having the pockets 8 and the lines of stitching 9 and 10, forming the casing for holding the supporting elements 12. The same pads 13 are used. The construction of the brassiere, up to this point, is identical with the brassiere shown and described in connection with Figures 1 to 7 inclusive.

Disposed within the pocket 4 and arranged beneath and adjacent to the supporting elements 112 are resilient hoops 23 of zigzag formation and which are identical with the hoops 16 except that they may be smaller. The hoops 23 are arranged beneath and in the plane of the supporting elements 12 and contact therewith. The hoops 23 are attached to the supporting elements 12 by loops or couplings 24, corresponding to the loops or couplings 17, Figure 6. These loops or couplings 24 are stiff or rigid and are rigidly attached to the fiat supporting elements 12 and the hoops 23. The lateral swinging movement of the supporting elements 12 produce a torsional action upon thehoops 23, as explained in connection with the hoops 16, Figure 2. Surrounding the hoops 23 are larger hoops or frames 25, of zigzag formation, like the hoops 16. The hoops or frames 25 are open at their upper ends and the free ends of each hoop 25 has mounted thereon loops or couplings 26, which also receive the supporting element 12. One of the couplings 26 is shown in Figure 15, and this coupling is rigidly secured to the supporting element 12 and to the free end of the hoop or frame 25, by welding or by being clamped thereto. When the supporting element 12 is swung forwardly by the user stooping, the swinging movement of the supporting element causes a torsional action upon the end of the hoop or frame 25.

The outer hoops or frames 25 do not overlap and their lower edges engage .the bottom 3 and are supported thereby. The hoops 23 have their lower portions engaging curved lines of stitching 27, connecting the sides 2. The hoops 23 and the hoops 25 are slidably mounted within the pocket 4. The lines of stitching 10 are interrupted for the passage of the couplings 24 and 26.

In use, the hoops 23 and the hoops or frames 25 yieldingly support the supporting elements 12 and the pockets. When these hoops are vertically compressed, their side or sides can shift horizontally since they are sildable within the pocket 4. Since the couplings are rigidly attached to the supporting element 12 and the hoops 23 and 25, the forward swinging movement of the supporting elements will produce a torsional action in the hoops, and these hoops will keep the supporting elements 12 close to the body, by virtue of this torsional action.

In Figures 16 to 19 inclusive, I have shown a brassiere embodying a fourth form of the invention. In the fourth form of the invention, the same body portion 1 is pro vided comprising sides 2 folded to provide the bottom 3 and forming the pocket 4. The same pockets 8 are provided receiving the pads 13. The same line of stitching 9 is provided for each pocket. The same supporting elements .12 are provided, arranged near and beneath the line of stitching 9. The construction of the brassiere, up to this point, is identical with that shown in connection with Figures 1 to 7 inclusive. The lines of stitching 10 are omitted, and upstanding lines of stitching 28 are provided, connecting the sides. These lines of stitching 28 form with the lines of stitching 9, casings or pockets 29, which removably receive the ends of the supporting elements 12. The same hoops '16 are arranged within the pocket 4, and these hoops have their upper portions secured to the supporting elements 12 by the loops or couplings 17. This is the same construction as shown in connection with the first form of the brassiere, Figures 1 and 2. The lower portions of the hoops 16 engage within curved lines of stitching 30, which removably hold the hoops in place, and the hoops in turn support and hold the supporting elements 12 in place, with their free ends in the pockets 29.

The outer side 2 of the front portion 5 is provided with upstanding or generally vertical slits or openings 31. If desired, these slits could be formed in the inner side 2.

The hoops 16 resiliently support the supporting elements 12, as explained in connection with the first form of the invention, and the forward swinging movement of the elements 12 place a torsional action upon the hoops 16, so that these hoops swing the supporting elements 12 toward the body.

When it is desired to remove the supporting elements 12 and hoops 16, as units, from the pocket 4, so that the garment may be laundered, the supporting elements 12 have their free ends removed from the pockets 29. This can be readily done because the body portion 1 is of course flexible and the hoops 16 are flexible. The hoops 16 may be passed through the slits 31, subsequent to which the supporting elements are removed through these slits. If desired, the supporting elements '12 may be passed through the slits 31 first. After the laundering, it is obvious that the hoops: and supporting elements may be readily returned to their positions in the pocket 4.

In Figures 20 to 23 inclusive, I have shown a fifth modification of the brassiere. This brassiere comprises a body portion 1 including sides 2 folded to provide the bottom 3 and forming a pocket 4. The body portion includes a front portion 5. The same pockets 8 are employed, the same lines of stitching 9 and 10 and the same pads 13. The front portion 5 Figure 20, is vertically taller than the front portion 5, Figure 1. In other respects, the fifth form of the invention as shown in Figures 20 to 23 inclusive, up to the point described, is identical with the first form of the invention, Figures 1 and 2.

As more clearly shown in Figure 21, pairs of resilient hoops 32 and 33 are arranged beneath the supporting elements 12, which are the same supporting elements shown in Figure 2. The hoops 32 and 33 are identical with the hoops 16, Figure 2. The hoop 32 is arranged beneath the supporting element 12 and is in the same plane with the same, and contacts therewith. Each hoop 32 is connected with its supporting element 12 by a loop or coupling 34 corresponding to the coupling 17. The coupling 34 is rigid and is rigidly secured to the supporting element 12 and the resilient hoop 32. A rigid loop or coupling 35 receives the contacting portions of the superposed hoops 32 and 33, and is rigidly secured thereto. The loop or coupling 35 receives the Sincethefront portion -offthe brassiere is relatively tall," the body portion of thebrassiere may extend to the waistline. The pairs of hoops 32v and 33 are provided,

for supporting the supporting. elementslZ, in the tall front '5, thus eliminating thenecessity of using supporting hoops which would be .so-largein diameterthat th-ey would cross each other.

In the use of llhlSifO-I'In .of the-brassiere, the pairs of superposed hoops resiliently support the supporting elements12 andpockets 8. "The couplings 34 connect the supporting elementsll with the upper hoops 32, so that lateral swinging movement of the supporting elements 12 impart a torsional action to thehoops 32, which in turn tend to hold the supporting elements 12 close to the body.

When 'theupper hoops 32are swung forwardly with respect to the lower hoops 33, a torsional action is im- .parted to the lower hoops 33, and the lower hoops therefore tend to hold the upper hoops 32 close to the body.

In Figures 24. to 26 inclusive, I have shown a sixth embodimentl Ofmy'invention. Inthesefigures, the numeral -'1 designates a body portion of the brassiere, including 1 sides 2 folded to produce a bottom 3 and a pocket 4.

The numeral 5 designates the front portion of the brassiere. The same pocketsys are employed, thersame lines of stitching 9 and 10, the same supporting elements 12 and the same pads 13, as shown and described in connection with thejfirst' form of the invention. The front 5 is taller than the front 5 of'Figure l,jlil e the front 5 in Figure 20. The garment shown in Figure 24 may have its lower edge or bottom 3 disposed at the waistline.

In ,the form of the invention shownjin Figures 24 to :26 "inclusive, the numeral 37 designates a resilient U-shaped' supporting element, of'zigzag formation, like the hoops-16. The U-shaped resilientelement 37 has its opposite endsarranged beneath and contacting with the supporting elements 12, as shown. The numeral 38 designates rigid loops or couplings which are rigidly mounted uponthe supporting elements 12 and the ends of the U- shaped supporting element 37. The loops or couplings 38 receive loops formed upon the ends of the 1 U-shaped supporting element 37/ The loops or couplings 38 may be welded to the supporting elements 12 and the ends of the resilient Uj-shaped element 37 orthey may be clamped thereto.

Thejlower closed endof theresilient U-shaped supporting element bears against the bottom 3. Th Supporting 'element'37. resiliently supports the elements12, and since the elements 12 are connected with the U-shaped supporting 'element,37. by the loops or couplings -38, when :Ihe supporting elements '12 are swung forwardly by the jstooping action of the wearer, the elements -12 impart a torsional action to' the U-shaped supporting element 37; and this U-shaped supporting element will accord ir gly hold the elements, 12 close to the body. The U- shaped supporting element 37 is slidably mounted within the pocket/.4, and'when this element is vertically compressed, its lower'portion can readily flatten, and its sides shift horizontally.

' In Figures. 27 to 29 inclusive, I have shown aseventh modificationjofthe invention. 'In these figuresfthe nu- -meral 1 design-ates a :body portion, including sides 2,

folded to provide a bottom 3'and a pocket 4. The body portion 1' is'identical with-thebody. portionjl and front ,5 of Figures 24 and 25. The-same pockets 8 are employed, the samellines of 'stitching'9and ;the same suppoitingelementsr 12 and the same pads 13 as used in connec'tion withfithe' first form of the invention, Figures 1 and 2. The construction of the brassiere, up to this point, 1

is identicalwith that shown in connection with the first form of the "inventionyFigures l and 2. The brassiere shown -in-'Figure 27111331115 front 5-vertically taller than the front-'5 Figure'; 1, and the brassiere shown in Figure 27; is adapted-toihave'; itsedge-or 'bottom 3 arranged-at the "waistline;

Arranged-beneath the supportingelements 12 are-vertical-ribs 39,- which may be formed or metal. Theseribs are've'rtically stifi but may-be flexed laterally or forwardly =andare'resilient so' th-at they will return to the=vertical position. "-The ribshave their upper ends arranged be'neath and in contact-w'iththe suppc'rrting elements 12. Rigid Ll-shaped loops} or couplings 40 receive the lower I portions of the' supporting elements 12, .and the upper ends-of the ribs 39. "The U -sha'ped-loops or couplings40 may berigidly secured to 'the upper ends 0f the ribs '39 by rivets 41 or they maybe welded:theretoor otherwise rigidly: secured to thesame. -The loops orcouplings 40 .may be rigidlyseeured to thesupportingelementsin by welding or the like or theytmayn-be clampeduthereon. rArranged. -within.- the vpo'eket':.4'-beneath the ribs 39 are hoops 42,. 'of zigzagformation, which may ;be identical withathe'hhoops? 16. i-The hoops 42 are.-resilient. The

ribs'r-39 have:'Urshapednloopswor couplings .43 rigidly secured :thereto: abyi' rivets :44: tor the like but they .may be .s'ecuredi tofthe Atribs.v by-;welding- -or .anyaother suitable means. 'a'liheloops or couplings. 43. receive 111116. lupper .por- -itions ,ofithe'hoops: 42=anddmay be-rigidly secured thereto 'zqby weldingzonimay: be=clampedttoitheisame. "The lower ends-of theerib's 39; bear. against :thezupper, portions aofwthe hoops, andthe lower portions of' the: Eholops .bear against 5 @the' r tt -m 'zThe'. SidflszZ may vbe :connected: \byvertical dines of S,t,itCh-ing:.45,; as shown.

' In-use, -the;hoopst42,=yieldingly;supporttherelements 12 the pocketa -l, and Iwhenethese, .hoops are vertically compressed, their1sides= shift horizontally. ThGfl'ibS :39 may :fieie forwardly-and, when: the'psupporting elements: 12 are ,swung -forwardlyyrthey imparta torsional actionwto the supper ends; .of: the: Iibs,-,=which tend toahold the' elements .12'closeto' the body. uWhen the ribs 39 'swingiiforwardly,

they; :impa-rt. at torsional. action to ithe npperpo-rtions of the. hoops :-.42,- and this. torsional -,;action. tends: to move the ribs: 39" toward the bust. -r It-'isiobviousrtthat: the resilient; ihoops 42 yieldingly. supportxthe elements: 12 and pockets for individual adjustment.

In Figures -30 'to:33"-inclusive,; ]I- have shown an-eighth embodiment. or.;;modification.-of-.Lmy brassiere. In these .-figures,:- the? numeral 1- :designatesa body;portion-having the front portion 5. 1 The same =-pockets 8 are employed,

the same lines-of stitching=9 and 10 and the samepads fi. The construction" of the brassiere thus far given-'- is identical with the first form of "the invention; Figures 1 and 2,

except-that the front portion ,5 is taller in'Figure 31 than "the front portion 5 inFigures" l and'2. "The body portion 1 includesythe same sides Zjfolded to fojrm the bottom 3 and pocket 4. isjthe same constmction shown in jconnection with, the firstj form: .of, the invention.

In this ,form of ,the invention, I do not usethe identical supporting; elements 12 but IuseU-shapedor curved supportingelements-46 made from a section of-wire; 47 ,which has. e n .fle tenedr iigu e r-and b n on; dg t for the U-shaped supporting5,elements;;46. Each :;.U -shaped supporting element 46. includes sections-:whichare.con-

s tinued. at: their. .inner ends: to form- "rib 1sectionsi48,- and these rib sections are formedor bent at their lower ends into-ahead or'--1oop'- 49, having an upstanding U-shaped extension-50, arranged therein. T-herib sections 48 form a rib -which-isvertically arranged. I The line of stitching 4 '10 is interrupted* for the; passage of the rib -.-seot-ions 48.

The ribs formed by the rib sections andthe -supporting elements 46 are vertically stiifbue are laterally resilient, in a forwardly direction. The supporting elements 46am 9 held within the casings formed by the lines of stitching 10 and 9.

Arranged beneath the heads or loops 49 are resilient hoops 51, of zigzag formation, and are identical with the hoops 16. These hoops arearranged beneath and engage the heads 49. The numeral 52 designates rigid loops, receiving the lower ends of the heads 49 and loops 50 and also receiving the upper portions of hoops 51. The loops 52 are rigidly secured to the heads 49and the hoops 51 and may be welded to the same or clamped thereto. The hoops 51 are slidably mounted within the pocket 4 and their lower portions engage the edge or bottom 3.

The hoops 51 resiliently support the supporting elements 46 and pockets 8. The ribs formed by the rib sections 48 are laterally resilient in a forward direction, and the loops or couplings 52 connect the heads 49 with the hoops 51, so that when the ribs are swung forwardly, a torsional action is imparted to the upper portions of the hoops 51. This torsional action enables the hoops 51 to move the vertical ribs including rib sections 48 toward the body.

In Figures 34 to 37 inclusive, I have shown a ninth form of my brassiere. This embodiment comprises the body portion 1, including sides 2 folded to provide the bottom 3, forming a pocket 4. The body portion 1 includes the front 5. The same pockets 8 are used, the same lines of stitching 9 and 10, and the same supporting elements 12. The same pads 13 are used. The form of brassiere described upto this point is identical with the brassiere of Figure 1, except that the front is taller so that the bottom 3 may be arranged at the waistline. The brassiere in Figure 34 thus far described is identical with the brassiere shown in Figure 20.

Arranged within the pocket 4 are vertical ribs 53, which may be formed of metal. These ribs are normally flat and are vertically stiff but are laterally flexible or resilient in a forward direction. The ribs are held in place by vertical lines of stitching 54, forming casings which receive the ribs, and the upper ends of these casings are closed. The outer ribs 53 are arranged adjacent to the outer ends of the supporting elements 12 and the inner rib 53 is arranged between the inner ends of the supporting elements 12. The supporting elements 12 are not directly mounted upon the ribs 53 by couplings, but they are connected with the ends of the ribs by the casings and the adjacent portions of the front 5. These ribs sup port the elements 12 and the pockets 8.

Arranged within the pocket 4 and mounted upon the edge or bottom 3 are resilient hoops 55, of zigzag formation and these hoops engage and support the ribs 53. The ribs 53 have U-shaped loops or couplings 56 secured to their lower ends, by rivets 57, welding or the like. The loops are couplings 56 are stiff and are rigidly secured to the ribs 53, as stated, and these loops or couplings receive therein the upper portions of the hoops 55, and these loops or couplings may be rigidly secured to the hoops by welding or by being clamped against the same. The hoops 55 are held. against displacement by lines of stitching 55, connecting the sides 2.

In View of the foregoing description, it will be seen that the resilient hoops 55 support the supporting elements 12 and pockets 8. By combining the hoops 55 with the ribs 53, the front 5 may be sufficiently vertically long so that its bottom will be near the waist line.

, The inner rib 53 is stiffer than the outer ribs 53, with respect to lateral flexing, all ribs being resilient. This increased stiffness of the inner rib may be effected by making it slightly wider than the outer ribs 53, as shown, although this increased stiffness may be produced by mak ing the inner rib thicker. The outer ribs 53 serve to support the elements 12 and the inner rib 53 also serves this purpose but the principal function of the inner rib 53,

with its increased stiffness, is to hold the front of the brassiere close to or against the body.

The units including the hoops 55 and ribs 53 are removable. For this purpose, I provide the inner side 2 with upstanding slits or slots 2a, for the passage of the hoops 55 and ribs 53. The supporting units may therefore be removed when it is desired to launder the garment, and may be readily returned in position after such laundering. The ribs 53 are held against displacement by the lines of stitching 54 and the hoops 55 are held against displacement by the lines of stitching 55'.

In connection with the form of the invention shown in Figures 34 to 37 inclusive, would state that I contemplate omitting the supporting elements 12 and may also omit the pads 13. The ribs 53 will then be connected with the ends of the pockets 8 near the tops of the pockets and will serve to support these pockets from their ends.

In Figures 38 to 40 inclusive, I have shown a tenth modification of the invention. In these figures, the numeral 1 designates the body portion of the brassiere, formed of a section of fabric including sides 2, folded upon itself to provide a bottom 3 and a pocket 4. The body portion 1 includes a front 5. The same pockets 8 are employed, with the same lines of stitching 9 and 10 and the same supporting elements 12 and pads 13. The

, construction of the brassiere up to this point is identical with the first form of the invention shown in Figure 1, except that the front 5 in Figure 38 is vertically longer than the front 5 in Figure 1, and the brassiere of Figure 38 is adapted to have its bottom 3 extending to the waistline.

Arranged within the pocket 4 are vertical ribs 58, which may be formed of metal, and which are vertically stiff but are laterally resilient or flexible in a forward direction. The upper ends of these ribs are removably mounted within casings or pockets 59 formed by vertical lines of stitching 60. These pockets are relatively short. The pockets will hold the upper ends of the ribs 58 in place, in use, but will permit of their ready removal from within the pockets. The outer ribs 58 are arranged near the outer ends of the supporting elements 12 and pockets 8 and the inner rib 58 is arranged between and near the inner ends of the supporting elements 12. When the ribs are held Within the pockets 59, they are connected with the ends of the elements 12 and pockets 8 through the medium of the pockets 59 and adjacent portions of the front 5.

Arranged within the lower portion of the pocket 4 are resilient hoops 61, of Zigzag formation, which are identical with the hoops 16, Figure 2. The hoops 61 are arranged beneath the ribs 58 to support them and are connected with the ribs by U-shaped loops or couplings 62, similar to the couplings 56, Figure 37. The couplings 62 are secured to the ribs 58 by rivets 63. The couplings 62 may be rigidly secured to the ribs 58 and to the hoops 61.

The outer ribs 58 have connection with horizontal straps 64 by couplings or loops 65. The inner ends of the straps 64 are connected with the inner rib 58 by a coupling or loop 66, as shown. The couplings 65 may be secured to the outer ribs by rivets or any other suitable means and the coupling 66 is secured to the inner rib 58 by rivets or other means. The straps 64- are formed of resilient wire and are of zigzag formation, like the hoops 16, Figure 2. The straps 64 are highly flexible laterally in a horizontal direction and are resilient and elastic and slightly longitudinally extensible. The straps 64 serve to hold the ribs 58, near their lower ends, against displacement.

The hoops 61 are arranged within the pocket 4 adjacent to the bottom 3 and engage curved lines of stitching 67, which removably holds the lower portions of the hoops against displacement.

The front side 2 of the brassiere is provided with upstanding slits 68, as shown.

In connection with the form of the invention shown in 1 1 Figures38 to--40-'-i rrclusive,"the-ribs 58 -support the'elements 12 and pockets-8;and; these ribsareresilientlysup- -ported-by jthehoops'61 "Fhe sides of'the hoops are slidable within the pocket4 and whenthe hoops arevertically compressed, etheir sides-may -move outwardly-horizontally.

The supportingmeans including the -ribs 58 and hoops -61 are removable from within the-pocket-4,-sothat-the garmentmay bef-laundered. When ithis -is desiredythe -ribs58 areremoved from the--pockets"59,-and'the hoops 61 and associated elements are passed-throughtheslits- 68. This isrendered-possiblebecauselthe elements 61 1 and 64 'arehighlyflexible lat'erallyand-may bereadily folded upon-'themselves. After the garment has been =laundered, theribs-58may be-again returned to place-in :ithe pocket: 4.

:In connection with the' form of the invention shown in z liigures 38=-t0 40-:inclusive', I contemplate omitting the supporting elements 12 and pads 13.

In FigureAl, I have shown the eleventh different form :of my invention. -In-this. form, the body portion 1 includes sides:2, ;foldedto produce the-bottom 3,-forming -the pocket-:4. The same lines of stitching 9 and 18' are employed and "the same supporting elements .ll2 are present. .The samepocketsSam-provided with the same pads. 13. The'construction Ufa [1'16 brassiere thus far recited is identical with that shown in Figure 1 ofthe drawings, except that the ront5 is vertically longer so that the bottom 3 may extend to the waistline.

Arrangedwithin =the-pocket 4 are vertical ribs 69 -.formed of metal. These ribs-are vertically stiff andare' laterally flexible and resilient in a forwardly direction. The upper ends of the ribs 69=are held within pockets formed by vertical lines of stitching=7ll and 71, connecting the sides 2. The lines of stitching 7ll and'71 extenddown '73, similarsto the coupling'56,-Figure 37. The lower portions of. the hoops 72r bear against the bottom 3.

Extending between the outer ribs--69 and the inner-rib .68 .are pairs of diagonal or inclined straps -74, 'and' the straps in eachpair crosseach other. "The straps --74 are identical with the straps 64,-'-Figure- 39. Theouter ends .of the straps'74carryhoops 75 which" engage within loops or couplings 76, which are mounted upon the outer-ribs .169. The couplings 76 -maybe held -in-placeupon the outer ribs by rivets or the like. The lines of stitching 71 and'70, at the left and right respectively, may be interrupted to accomodate the upper couplings 76. The inner ends of the-straps '74 have-hoops 77, engaging .within-loops or couplingsi78, mounted upon the inner rib 69 and held thereon by rivets or the like. Thelines-of .stitching :70 and 71 adjacent to' the inner rib are interrupted to accommodate the upper coupling 78 and the adjacent ends of the straps 74.

.In-connection with this'formof the invention; the ver- .tical ribs 69 support the ends of the supporting: elements 12 and pockets 8, and these ribs areresiliently supported by- 'the hoops 72. The straps 74.. are highly flexible laterally in a forwardly direction, and these straps, beingonly slightly longitudinally -elastic,- serve -to'hold the ribs-69 in place.

In-connectionwith the form ofmy invention shown in -Figuresh4l' to 43 inclusive,-it should bestated-that I contemplate omitting the supporting elements 12' and the pads 13.

'-In'- Figures -44 to 48 inclusive, Ihaveshown a twelfth 'formof theinvention. The garment shown in-these' -figures embodies a body-encircling portion 1, which is longitudinally elastic. The g body encircling portion includes sides 2,.folded-uponthemselves to provide a bottom 3, affording a pocket-4. The-body encircling portionincludes a forward portion which projects above bands- 6, -Figure 44. The form of the invention thus far described is identical with the first form of The front portion 5 isprovided in its top with openings 79, to receive the-bust, and forwardly bulging bust receiving' pockets 80 are arranged upon the outer face of the forward portion 5,-and are secured thereto by lines 284 are arranged beneath the-pockets 80 and-have their -of-stitching"81. -The-istitching 81 may be zigzag, so

that itwill yield-, since 'the-body encircling portion 1 is -horizonta'lly elastic. "The upper edges ofthe sidesZ are secured together by a zigzag line of stitching=-82 -front portion- 5' may be circularly curved and maybe "Arranged within the--pocket-4 are resilient hoops 84,

..which are 'flat and are "of zigzag-formation--and'=are identical with thehoops 16, Figures 1 and 2. Theghoops centers --in vertical-alignment-withthe centers --of e the pockets 80. The hoops 84 engage the -closed-bottom The numeral+86 designates-resilient =loops, -whi'ch-are flat, *and'are formed of -wirebent into a zigzag forma- *tion, like the hoops- 16 and-'84. The loops 86' have'their upper-ends closed and circularly curved" and-held within the casing-83,- and I--mayalso*-provide'lines of stitching 87, like the lines of'stitching 85, and the lines of' stitching 87 and 85 connectthesides 2. The linesof-stitching serve to further -retain the upper-portions ofthe loops 86- in place. i The lines of stitching 87-may be omitted,

if desired.

The lowerends" of the loops: 86 are-open, as shown.

The-ends -of the sidesof each loop-86 are arranged to contact with the periphery of the hoop 84, upon opposite .sides-=of the center of' the hoop, and spacedfrom'such center.

.of each loop 86..-are-attached to the hoop 84-by stiff The'sidesof the loop 86 are arranged inthe same plane with -the hoop- 84. The ends of the sides couplings -88,--which may be formedof metal. The

-couplings-88 may be attached to the ends of the loop :86 and hoop -84 byr-welding, soldering or-the like,:or ,may-be clamped to the same. The couplings -88 form astifi connection between the ends ofthe loop-86- and hoop 184.

When the garment =is-applied to the wearer, the elastic bodyencircling portion 1-'-is under tension, to'a certain .-.extent. 'I he-pockets -80 support the bust, *and these :pockets .are I resiliently 4 supported by the loops '86 and hoops .84. "Whens-the pockets 80- move downwardly, by

.Qmi ting the pads 13.

@the wearer stooping .or. thevlike, theloops. 86 andhoops .84-vert,ically yield;:to permit of such. downwardmovement andobeing, resilient, return the pockets: .to the raised the loops are'vertically compressed, since the lower portions-of-the=loops areslidable within the pockets. "The -couplings- 88tformstiff connections between thelower ,ends'of the -loops- 86 andthe hoops'84, and when the loops=s86 rare *fiexed forwardly or laterally, suchmovement. is opposed. by the. torsional action whichthe loops applyjto the :hoops= 84 through. themedium of the stiff couplings 88.

In,connection withallforms of the. invention,;I:.wish to state that,.under-some..circumstances, I contemplate ,It is tobeunderstood thatthe, forms of my invention herewith shown and described are-to be takenas preferred examples of the same; andthat various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A garment comprising a flexible body encircling.

portion including front and rear sides forming a main pocket having a closed bottom, bust receiving pockets carried by the upper portion of the body encircling portion, lines of stitching connecting said sides near the bust receiving pockets and forming small holding pockets, inclined lines of stitching connecting said sides near the closed bottom, one of said sides having openings formed therein outwardly of the bust receiving pockets, upstanding ribs having their upper ends removably mounted within the holding pockets, resilient hoops of zigzag formation mounted within the main pocket and held in place by the inclined lines of stitching, the side portions of the hoops being horizontally movable with relation to the inclined lines of stitching above the same,

and means mounting the ribs upon the tops of the hoops.

2. A garment comprising a body encircling portion, bust receiving pockets extending to the body encircling portion and permanently secured thereto, upstanding ribs mounted upon the body encircling portion and having their upper ends terminating substantiallyat the top of the body encircling portion, said upstanding ribs serving to support said pockets, resilient hoops mounted upon the body encircling portion and having their side portions free to move horizontally when the hoops are vertically compressed, the hoops being mounted adjacent to the bottom of the body encircling portion and adjacent to the lower ends of said ribs, and means to mount the lower ends of the ribs upon the top portions of said hoops.

3. A garment comprising a body encircling portion, bust receiving pockets contacting with the top portion of the body encircling portion, relatively vertically stifi supporting elements secured to the pockets and extending along their bottoms, upstanding ribs mounted upon the body encircling portion and having their upper ends terminating substantially with the top of the body encircling portion, means to mount the vertically stitf supporting elements upon the ribs, resilient hoops mounted upon the body encircling portion near its bottom and having its side portions free to move horizontally when the resilient hoops are vertically compressed, and means to mount the lower portions of said ribs upon the upper portions of said hoops.

4. A garment comprising a body encircling portion, bust receiving pockets contacting with the top portion of the body encircling portion, relatively vertically stiff supporting elements secured to the pockets and extending along their bottoms, upstanding ribs mounted upon the body encircling portion and having their upper ends terminating substantially with the top of the body encircling portion, means to mount the vertically stifi supporting elements upon the ribs, resilient hoops mounted upon the body encircling portion near its bottom and having its side portions free to move horizontally when the resilient hoops are vertically compressed, means to mount the lower portions of said ribs upon the upper portions of said hoops, and generally horizontal straps connecting the upstanding ribs.

5. A garment comprising a body encircling portion including a main pocket provided with opening means, bust receiving pockets contacting with the top portions of the body encircling portion and permanently secured to the body encircling portion, supporting elements extending about the bottoms of the bust receiving pockets for normally supporting them, means for removably holding the supporting elements in place within the main pocket, resilient hoops mounted within the main pocket and extending beneath the supporting elements, said resilient hoops including side portions which are slidably mounted within the main pockets so that said side portions are free to move generally horizontally with respect 1 14 to the main pocket when said hoops are vertically compressed, means to permanently secure the hoops to the supporting elements, each hoop and the companion supporting element being removable as a unit through said opening means.

6. A garment comprising a body encircling portion including a main pocket provided with. opening means, bust receiving pockets contacting with the body encircling portion and permanently secured to the body encircling portion, supporting elements arranged within the main pocket and extending about the bottoms of the bust receiving pockets for normally supporting them, resilient hoops mounted within the main pocket and extending beneath the supporting elements, said resilient hoops having tops and side portions, said side portions being slidably mounted within the main pocket so that said side portions are free to move generally horizontally with respect to the main pocket when said hoops are vertically compressed, upstanding ribs mounted upon the tops of the hoops, means for removably holding the upper ends of the ribs in place within the main pocket close to the supporting elements, the hoops and ribs being removable through the opening means.

7. A garment comprising a body encircling portion including a main pocket provided with opening means, bust receiving pockets connected with the top portion of the body encircling portion and permanently secured to the body encircling portion, supporting elements extendingabout the bottoms of the bust receiving pockets for normally supporting them, means for removably holding the supporting elements in place within the main pocket, resilient hoops mounted within the main pocket and extending beneath the supporting elements, said resilient hoops including side portions which are slidably mounted within the main pocket so that said side portions are free to move generally horizontally with respect to the main pocket when said hoops are vertically compressed, means to mount the supporting elements upon said hoops, the hoops and supporting elements being removable through said opening means.

8. A garment comprising a body encircling portion including a main pocket, bust receiving pockets contacting with the body encircling portion and permanently secured thereto, resilient hoops mounted entirely in the main pocket and removably mounted within the main pocket and having closed tops and side portions which move horizontally outwardly when the hoops are vertically compressed, and upstanding ribs mounted upon the upper closed tops of the hoops and bodily mounted within the main pocket and terminating at substantially the top of the main pocket, said ribs being arranged exteriorly of the bust receiving pockets and detachably connected with the bust receiving pockets.

9. A garment comprising a body encircling portion including a main pocket, bust receiving pockets permanently attached to the body encircling portion and contacting therewith, resilient hoops removably mounted within the main pocket and terminating within the main pocket, said hoops having closed tops, and means mounted within the main pocket and disposed exteriorly of the bust receiving pockets and mounted upon the closed tops of the resilient hoops, said means and hoops being removable from the main pocket.

10. A garment comprising a body encircling portion including a main pocket, bust receiving pockets contacting with and permanently secured to the body encircling portion, means forming rib receiving pockets upon the body encircling portion and arranged near and exteriorly of the bust receiving pockets, upstanding ribs bodily mounted within the main pocket and having their upper ends extending into the rib receiving pockets, resilient hoops having closed tops mounted within the main pocket of the body encircling portion and having their side portions free to move horizontally outwardly when such hoops are vertically compressed, and means 

